To a WSD welding teacher from a former offender student:

Thank you for everything you have done for me. Like you know, I got locked up at a very young age and never had a real job in my life. Well, not till now. I took your class and fell in love with the welding trade. I got a job welding and I had to write and just thank you so much for putting me ahead of the game. I was able to take a welding test and now get paid good money and I work 6 days a week and I get 13 (hours) over time every week and anything over 40 hours is time and a half…When I got this job I went to be a welder’s helper but after doing work I was put on as a welder….My dream is to be a pipe welder and one day you’ll get a letter from me telling you that I made it. I’m making it a point to tell you because you gave me what I now have. If it wasn’t for you and your iron fist way of teaching I wouldn’t of been able to make it. Because of you I can make a living. I’m free. I have a job that pays good and what help’s me is that I love what I’m doing and it’s men like you that made a difference in my life and I’m writing to tell you thank you for everything. … Thank you very much for all you have done. If you ever question the fact if you're making a change in the lives of people, know that in my life you have made a difference and I will be forever grateful to you!!